In a landmark lecture at Swansea University this week, a leading Welsh historian and theologian will argue that our thinking about welfare and economics needs to be turned upside down through engagement with disabled people and carers.

I am looking forward to delivering my forthcoming lecture in the Swansea University Public Lectures in Theology series (24 March 2014, details below), and I am very appreciative to the University for giving me this opportunity.

The ‘get tough’ approach to sick and disabled welfare claimants promoted by the big party players in the run up to this General Election, and in recent media rhetoric, is not just morally cheap, says Savi Hensman. It is reflective of a profoundly inadequate policy approach which ends up scapegoating those we should be supporting most.

While the main media focus will be on Valentine's Day today, many churches across the UK have been 'spreading the love' in a rather different way - by showing support for those living with autism and those who support them.